DUSHANBE, November 21, 2011, Asia-Plus — Avalanches that hit the Shahriston Pass in Sughd province recently have paralyzed the Dushanbe-Khujand highway.
According to the Interior Ministry traffic police directorate, due to efforts of road builders and rapid reaction team of the Committee for Emergency Situations (CES), the road was cleared of snow yesterday evening and the highway was resumed for traffic for several hours.
“However, a series of new avalanches that occurred today morning blocked the highway again,” the source said, noting that that is not known yet when the highway will be reopened for traffic.
Meanwhile, many vehicles moving from Khujand have been stuck at the Shahriston Pass. One of drivers who get in touch with Asia-Plus by mobile phone said they have been standing there for more than a week. “The road is covered with ice, the road builders are clearing the road of snow,” said the source, “Traffic police officers are allowing to proceed only those who give them bribe. We had to pay 100 somoni at each of two toll stations operated by Innovative Road Solutions (IRS) and at the traffic police checkpoint.”
According to drivers, their water and food supplies are being over.
